Alignment and/or packaging apparatus



July '21, 1970 Filed Feb. 13, 1968 J. C. H. EVINS ALIGNMENT AND/OR PACKAGING APPARATUS 4 Sheets$heet 2 FIG. 3

FIGS

PIC-3.4

JAMES C.H. EVINS INVENTOR ATTORNEY July 21, 1970 J. c. H. EVINS 3,521,426

ALIGNMENT AND/OR PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 13, 1968 4 Sheets -Sheet 3 55 m 59 25 40 l 54! a3 JAMES C.H. EVINS INVENTOR FIG.7 BY d M ATTORNEY July 21, 1970 J. c. H. EVINS A 3,521,426

I ALIGNMENT AND/OR PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 13, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

as 79 so r 5O 2 a?) g Ii 8 4| if H W l 7| 1 I 7 K JAMES C.H. EVINS INVENTOR BYw Ofpw ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,521,426 ALIGNMENT AND/ OR PACKAGING APPARATUS James C. H. Evins, 905 S. 9th St, Edinburg, Tex. 78539 Filed Feb. 13, 1968, Ser. No. 705,147 Int. Cl. B65b 57/14 US. Cl. 53-59 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Alignment and/ or packaging apparatus including means to align a product of varying weight and size, means to package said product, and means to weigh said package in combination with said packaging means whereby each package contains at least a predetermined, specified weight.

The subject invention relates to aligning and/ or packaging apparatus and more particularly to such apparatus whereby at least a predetermined weight of product is deposited in each package or the like.

In the vegetable and fruit packing industry, for example, in order to assure that each package or the like contains at least a specified weight, the packer must either resort to costly and time-consuming hand packing operations or place additional product in each package with resultant loss in profits. It has also been found that the retailer demands that certain products be prepackaged to reduce his labor costs and space requirements. The subject invention relates to apparatus whereby a food product or the like may be aligned or oriented and then packaged in an eye-appealing manner; means are additionally provided whereby each such package contains at least a specified weight.

The primary object of the present invention is the provision of means whereby a product of varying weight may be packaged with each such package containing at least a specified weight.

Another object is the provision of means to align or orient such product prior to packaging.

Still another object is to provide apparatus whereby food products or the like may be processed in accordance with mass production techniques.

A further object is to provide such apparatus Wherein the operation of the weighing means is independent of the conveying means and the said weighing means continues to operate until a specified weight is deposited in the package or the like.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the disclosure is made in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying sheets of drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partly broken away,

of the preferred embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, side elevational view, partly broken away and partly in section, of the foremost portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the upper portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and looking at the under surface thereof.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, greatly enlarged, top plan view of the foremost portion of the subject invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, greatly enlarged, top plan view, partly broken away, of the rearmost portion of the subject invention.

FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged, vertical sectional view, transverse to the longitudinal axis and looking forwardly, taken through the foremost portion of the subject invention.

FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged, vertical sectional view,

transverse to the longitudinal axis and looking forwardly, taken through the foremost portion of the subject invention wherein the limit of travel of one side wall is illustrated in phantom lines.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, greatly enlarged, rear elevational view, partly broken away and partly in section, of the uppermost portion of the subject invention.

FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged, top plan view, partly broken away and partly in section, of the weighing device of the subject invention.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along the medial, longitudinal axis of the weighing device of FIG. 9 with a block diagram of the electronic system associated therewith.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown one embodiment of alignment and/or packaging apparatus 20 of the subject invention. In the preferred embodiment, apparatus 20 consists of aligning and conveying means 21 in combination with weighing and packaging means 22. It is to be understood, however, that the aligning and conveying means 21 may be used independently of the weighing and packaging means 22 and that means 22 may be used independently of or in combinations other than with means 21. Means 21, 22 are supported by a frame consisting, in part, of horizontally extending, outwardly facing and parallel channels 23-24; the said channels are held in spaced relation at the front end by means of transverse plate 25 and at the rear by transverse plate 26 the outer ends of which are conventionally secured to the upper flanges of channels 23, 24 respectively. Vertically extending and outwardly facing channels 27-30 connect upwardly to the lower flanges of channels 23, 24 inwardly of the ends thereof as best seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings. Cross member 31 connects to the webs of channels 27, 28 in proximity to the lower ends thereof. It is to be further understood that the invention is not restricted solely to the frame heretofore described in detail; furthermore, channels 27-30 may be of any desired height, determined primarily by the feed mechanism, conveyor or other equipment with which apparatus 20 is to be utilized.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-2 of the drawings, vertically and transversely extending base plate 32 includes cut out 33 in each upper comer which permits the said plate to pass inwardly of the webs of channels 23, 24; the said plate 32 is conventionally secured to the foremost flanges of channels 27, 28. Plate 32 terminates upwardly in proximity to the bottom of plate 25 (see FIG. 6) and downwardly, slightly above the midpoint of the apparatus 20.

Front plate 34, parallel to and spaced forwardly of plate 32, butts the foremost end of plate 25 with the upper edge in alignment with the upper surface of the said plate 25; downwardly plate 34 terminates upwardly of the lower edge of plate 32. A plurality of standoifs 35 are secured at one end to plate 32; the foremost end of each standolf includes a reduced, threaded portion which passes through an aligned bore (not shown) in plate 34 with washer 36 and nut 37 placed thereon. Alternatively, the outer end of each standoff may be internally threaded to receive a machine bolt or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-8 'of the drawings, there is shown the alignment and conveying means 21 of the subject invention. More particularly, longitudinally extending, shaped sections 38-39 extend the length of apparatus 20 and are adjustably secured to plates 25, 26 heretofore mentioned. Sections 38, 39 are similarly constructed; for purposes of convenience only, section 39 will be described in detail; it is to be understood that section 38 is a mirror image thereto. As best seen in FIG. 6, section 39 is integrally formed and consists of base 40 which terminates outwardly in downturned flange 41; inwardly portion 42 is turned vertically downward with portion 43 turned perpendicularly outward; portion 44 is turned backward upon portion 43 and terminates inwardly of the lane of portion 42 forming shoulder 45.

As viewed in FIGS. 3-6 of the drawings, sheaves 46-49 are adjustably secured to plates 25, 26 and sections 38, 39 respectively. Sheaves 46, 48 accommodate a flat, endless belt 50 while sheaves 47, 49 accommodate flat belt 51. Preferably, those portions 43, 44 of sections 38, 39 in proximity to sheaves 46, 48 and 47, 49 are removed with vertical extension 52 turned angularly outward to serve as a guide for the belts carried on the respective sheaves.

Elongated, transversely extending and aligned slots 53 are provided in plate 25 laterally of the center line with a corresponding elongated slot 54 in base 40 (see FIG. 6) of each section 38, 39. Bolt 55 preferably is shouldered; the said bolt 55 passes upwardly through washer 56 and bore 57 of the sheave, the shoulder bears against washer 58, and thence through slots 54, 53 with washer 59 and nut 60 placed thereon. In like manner, plate 26 includes elongated, aligned and transversely extending slots 61 laterally of the center line with corresponding slots 62 (see FIG. 8) in base 40; slots 61, 62 accommodate bolt 63 with washer 64 and nut 65 placed thereon in the manner heretofore described in connection with FIG. 6 of the drawings. Such construction permits lateral adjustment of sections 38, 39 whereby the opposing vertical portions 42 of the respective sections may be spaced, as desired. A central, longitudinally extending slot 66 (see FIG. in proximity to the rear end of plate 26 permits adjustment of idler pulleys 67-68 as will hereafter be described.

There is shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 of the drawings rear sheaves 48, 49 heretofore mentioned with drive pulleys 69-70 secured thereto in a conventional manner. Strap 71 connects laterally to the webs of channels 29, 30 and supports motor 72 which connects by means of shaft 73 and fastening means 74 to pulley 69 driving the same in a clockwise direction as viewed from the bottom.

Idler pulleys 67, 68 heretofore mentioned are vertically stacked with pulley 67 horizontally aligned with drive pulley 69. Bolt 75 with washer 76 thereon passes upwardly through the bores of the respective pulleys 68, 67 and thence through sleeve 77, washer 78 and slot 66 in plate 26 with washer 79 and nut 80 placed thereon.

An endless belt 81 passes partially around drive pulley 69 in a clockwise direction, the said belt then passes rearwardly and inwardly and partially around idler pulley 67 in a clockwise direction; thereafter belt 81 passes horizontally forward and inwardly to partially pass around drive pulley 70 in a counterclockwise direction and thence angularly downward and rearward to partially pass around idler pulley 68 in a counterclockwise direction and finally angularly upward, inwardly and forward to again partially pass around drive pulley 69. As motor 72 rotates in a clockwise direction, belts 50, 51 which abut vertical portions 42, 52 and are supported downwardly by shoulder 45 of each section ride forward at equal rates.

As viewed in FIGS. 1 and 6 of the drawings, aligning and conveying means 21 further includes an essentially V-shaped trough 82 which extends between plates 25, 26. Trough 82 consists of horizontal, longitudinally extending base 83, angularly upward and outward extending sides 84 terminating upwardly in outturned flanges 85 which parallel the plane of base 83. Base 83 is secured to sections 38, 39 in a conventional manner with the inner edge of base 83 in a common plane with vertical portion 42 of the respective sections 38, 39 (see FIG. 6). In use, when carrots or other products are placed in trough 82, the root or reduced diameter portion of said carrots or the like extend downwardly into the opening between the opposing sections 38, 39 and are supported by belts 50, 51 which carry the product toward the foremost end of apparatus 20. It is understood that the invention is not to be restricted for use with an elongated product only; a product of any shape may be supported on the upper edges of belts 50, 51 and carried forward.

Bifurcated channel 86 positioned intermediate base plate 32 and front plate 34 conducts the product from aligning and conveying means 21 to weighing and packaging means 22. More particularly, an essentially rectangular, vertically aligned cut out 87 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is provided in the central, uppermost portion of base plate 32, the said cut out permits an elongated, downwardly extending product to pass into channel 86. Front plate 34 forms the front of channel 86 while that portion of base plate 32 downwardly of cut out 87 forms the rear surface thereof. Side walls 88-89 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) complete channel 86. For purposes of convenience only, side wall 88 will be described in detail; it is understood that side wall 89 is a mirror image thereto. Wall 88 consists of normally vertical portion 90 which terminates slightly below cut out 87 with portion 91 extending angularly outward therefrom. The lower end of portion 91 connects as by means of spring loaded hinge 92 or the like to angularly outward extending wall 93 fixedly secured to the lower, lateral portions of plates 32, 34 respectively. An inverted, V-shaped member 94 consists of legs 95-96 fixedly secured to the lower, inner surface of front plate 34 and the corresponding portion of back plate 32 in a conventional manner with leg 95 spaced inwardly of and paralleling wall 93; leg 96 parallels and is spaced from the opposite, angularly extending wall. Gate 97 is conventionally secured to pin 98, the said pin is positioned in proximity to the apex of V-shaped member 94 and passes through aligned bores (not shown) in plates 32, 34.

As shown in FIG. 7, disc 99 is conventionally secured to pin 98 rearwardly of base plate 32. Solenoids 100-101 such as are well known are secured to the rear surface of base plate 32 laterally of disc 99. Movable cores 102- 103 of the respective solenoids are connected as by means of cables 104-105 or the like to cross pin 106 on disc 99. When solenoid 100 is activated in a manner hereinafter to be described, core 102 is drawn into the coil of the said solenoid 100 causing disc 99 to rotate in a clockwise direction about pin 98; gate 97 connected remotely thereto rotates in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the rear, closing off the right-hand channel and diverting the product into the left-hand channel. Activation of solenoid 101 causes gate 97 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction whereby a product is diverted into the right-hand channel. In the event that a carrot or other product is in the throat of the channel 86 when gate 97 is activated, to prevent damage to such product, side walls 88, 89 are forced outwardly by the product, as shown by phantom lines, permitting the product to clear the gate and pass into the lower channel portion; the spring loaded side walls 88, 89 then return to normal position.

The lower end of wall 93 and the corresponding wall on the opposite side of apparatus 20 and the lower end of legs 95, 96 terminate in approximately the same horizontal plane (see FIG. 1) said members connect to the top of hollow, tubular members 107-108 which are secured rearwardly to base plate 32. The upper ends of funnels 109-110 or the like are secured in tubular members 107, 108 with pipe bands 111 or other securing means passed horizontally around the medial portion thereof with the ends conventionally secured to base plate 32. A plurality of downwardly opening, clamps 112 are secured to each funnel 109, the purpose of which will hereinafter be described.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 of the drawings, there is shown one embodiment of scale 113 which is utilized in the practice of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be restricted solely to the use of such type scale but spring scales or the like may be used with aligning and convenying means 21. As shown in FIG. 1, a scale is positioned on each side of apparatus 20 vertically below funnels 109,

110 and pivotally secured to the webs of channels 27, 28 respectively. Scale 113 includes a longitudinally extending base 114 (see FIGS. 9 and with a transversely extending bore 115 at the approximate center of balance thereof, which bore accommodates horizontally and inwardly extending pin 116 one end of which is secured to the web of channels 27, 28. Pin 117 passes diagonally therethrough with washer 118 placed inwardly thereof;,in like manner, washer 119 and pin 120 are placed on pin 116 inwardly of base 114. Rearwardly, base 114 is bifurcated to accommodate weight 121 secured therein by means of cross pin 122 with cotter pin 123 or the like passing therethrough.

Still referring to FIG. 9 of the drawings, vertically extending and rearwardly opening angle 124 is secured to the rearmost flange of channels 27, 28. Solenoid 126 is conventionally secured to leg 127 of angle 124 with solenoid 125 secured to the corresponding leg on the opposite side of apparatus leg 128 of the said angle includes bore 129 which communicates with bore 130 on bushing 131 and accommodates the movable cores 132-133 (core 132 not shown) of the respective solenoids. A downwardly opening, L-shaped bracket 134 or the like is conventionally secured to the innermost end of cores 132, 133 and is adapted to engage the rearmost portion of base 114 when the said base is essentially horizontal. When the core of solenoid 125, 126 is drawn into the coil thereof, the corresponding base 114 is free to pivot about pin 116 as viewed in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Horizontal, inwardly extending pins 137-138 secured to the webs of channels 27, 28 downwardly of the respective scales serve as a stop therefor.

Scale 113 of the preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed in accordance with principles of electrical capacitance. More specifically, metallic plate 139 of nonferrous composition is secured as by means of an.

epoxy resin or other adhesive to the foremost end of base 114 plate 139 is additionally grounded by means of conductor 140. A resilient plastic material 141 which returns to its original thickness upon release of pressure is secured as by means of the said epoxy resin to the upper surface of plate 139 and upwardly to the lower surface of a second metallic plate 142 of desired composition and corresponding in shape and size to plate 139 heretofore mentioned. Plate 143 of fiberboard or other insulating material, corresponding in shape and size to plate 139, is desirably secured to the upper surface of plate 142. It is to be understood that plate 143 does not effect the operation of scale 113 thus formed but protects the upper surface of plate 142. Preferably the sides and ends of plates 139, 141, 142 and 143 are moisture proofed as by means of a silicone compound such as is Well known in the art.

It is to be understood that the system illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 10 is connected to the scale on each side of apparatus 20. For purposes of convenience only, the right-hand scale 113 as viewed from the front is illustrated and described; the left-hand scale and associated system are similar in construction and operation.

A transistorized pulse generator 144 provides a 1,000/ second signal to isolation amplifier 145 and thence to one terminal of the primary of pulse input transformer 146; the other primary terminal of the said transformer is grounded, indicated by reference numeral 147. One end of lead 148 connects to plate 142 while the opposite end connects to one terminal on the secondary of transformer 146. The second terminal on the secondary of transformer 146 connects to pulse amplifier 149.

A weight or pressure applied to plate 143 compresses resilient material 141 causing plate 142 to approach plate 139 thereby increasing the capacitance between plates 139, 142 and increasing the signal to pulse amplifier 149. This increase is fed into transistorized servo amplifier 150 and mechanical actuator 151 which consists of solenoids 101, 126 heretofore described. Pulse generator 144, isolation amplifier 145, pulse input transformer 146, pulse amplifier 149, servo amplifier 150 and solenoids 100, 101 of mechanical actuator 151 are desirably positioned in casing 152 mounted between the webs of channels 27, 28 as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 7 of the drawings.

In use, the operator places a plastic bag or the like upon funnels 109, securing the same thereto as by means of brackets 112. At such time scale 113 on each side of apparatus 20 will be horizontal due to weight 121 and bracket 134 will engage arm 114 of one of the said scales 113. Motor speed control 153 (see FIG. 1) regulates the rate of travel of belts 50, 51; when carrots or other products are deposited in trough 82, they travel forward on belts 50, 51 and drop into channel 86. The said product passes into the lower, bifurcated portion of the said channel dependent upon the position of gate 97 and thence through the respective funnel 109, 110 into the bag secured thereto. As the product is deposited into the said bag, the bottom thereof bears against plate 143 of scale 113. A variable resistor (not shown) in the pulse amplifier stage 149 permits any predetermined, specified weight to be deposited in the said bag or other package. When the said predetermined, specified weight of the product is deposited therein, one solenoid 125, 126 is activated whereby the respective core 132, 133 is drawn into the coil thereof; at such time bracket 134 clears base 114 and the packaged product on scale 113 causes it to rotate about pin 116 and the said package drops downwardly. Preferably, a conveyor or the like is positioned vertically beneath the said scales and carries the said packaged product to conventional tying means.

The operator then places another empty bag on the funnel securing the same in the manner heretofore described and the steps are repeated. When solenoid 125, 126 is activated, one of the said solenoids 100, 101 is simultaneously activated causing gate 97 to rotate in the opposite direction whereby the said product is diverted into the opposite, lower channel. It is to be understood that motor speed control 153 regulates the rate of travel of belts 50, 51 only; the product will be deposited in a selected bag or the like until the said specified weight is reached. The operation of the scale thus is independent of the rate of travel of belts 50, 51.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates to only preferred embodiments of the invention and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for the purposes of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Alignment and product packaging apparatus comprising a frame,

an essentially horizontally extending conveying means on said frame,

said conveying means consisting of first and second spaced and driven belts,

an essentially vertically extending channel secured to said frame and communicating with said conveying means,

said channel including first and second lower portions,

a single gate mounted in said channel to selectively close off one of said first and second lower portions, packaging means on said first and second lower portions,

weighing means positioned below each of said first and second lower portions whereby a predetermined, selected weight applied to one of said weighing means activates the same.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said conveying means consists of first and second longitudinally extending and laterally spaced belts driven in synchronization.

3. Alignment and product packaging apparatus comprising a frame, an essentially horizontally extending conveying means on said frame, said conveying means comprising first and second spaced and driven belts, an essentially vertically extending channel secured to said frame and positioned vertically below one end of said conveying means, said channel including first and second lower portions, a single gate mounted in said channel to selectively close off one of said first and second lower portions, packaging means on said first and second lower portions, and weighing means positioned below said first and second lower portions and secured to said frame whereby a predetermined, selected Weight of product activates said gate and diverts said product into the opposite lower channel portion. 4. Alignment and product packaging apparatus comprising a frame, conveying means on said frame, an essentially vertically extending channel secured to said frame and communicating with said conveying means, said channel including first and second lower portions, a gate mounted in said channel to selectively close off one of said first and second lower portions,

packaging means on said first and second lower portions,

weighing means positioned below each of said first and second lower portions,

said weighing means comprising a base,

said base pivotally connected to said frame,

first and second nonferrous, metallic plates of con forming shape and size,

said first plate secured to said base and electrically grounded,

an electrically insulating, resilient material secured to said first plate,

said second plate secured to said insulating material,

and

an electronic system connected to said second plate whereby a weight applied to said second plate increases the capacitance between said first and second plates and said weighing means is activated.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,325,602, 12/1919 Albright 198-89 X 2,889,031 6/1959 Hopkins et al. 19839 2,990,665 7/1961 Magnuson 5359 X TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

